Vote today for Oby, $10,000 first prize

A social media campaign has begun to declare Barberton crossing guard Oby Perdue as America’s Favorite Crossing Guard. This is a national campaign sponsored by Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx.

Voting starts Nov. 19 and runs through Friday, Nov. 30. You can vote once a day at www.safekids.org.Perdue, is the crossing guard for Barberton Middle School, at the intersection of Fourth Street Northwest and Brady Avenue. If he wins, Barberton City Schools would receive $10,000.

Perdue is known to everyonebecause he waves hello to every driver in every car. He greets them while they wait, talks to them if their window is down. He is always smiling and ready with a quip to brighten everyone’s day that comes through his corner.

He is also known to the kids, asking them how the day was, providing encouraging words as they walk home from middle school.

Perdue enlisted in the Air Force in 1955, retired from the military and worked as a locksmith in California for 47 years. He always felt the pull of returning home to Barberton, which he did, to be closer to family.

Perdue, 81, was asked what makes his day?

“The kids and the parents,” he said. “I’m glad to talk to the kids. Some children don’t have anyone to talk to, so they tell me about their day.”

When kids get good grades, they tell him about it, and he congratulates them. When they struggle, he encourages them.

Show all 50 states we have America’s Favorite Crossing Guard right here in the Magic City.